The life expectancy of people with HIV on antiretroviral therapy is comparable to the life expectancy of people without HIV. Although HIV infection is not yet curable, it is now possible to live well and for a long time with the infection.

The following tips have proven their worth:

• Take time to process the diagnosis
• Find an HIV specialist with whom you feel you are in good hands
  
• Be well informed about the infection, e.g. at www.positive-life.ch or www.aids.ch
• Prepare for discussions with the medical specialist, write down questions
• Get support from trusted people and seek psychological help if necessary
• If necessary, seek advice on your rights and insurance from the legal advice service of the Swiss AIDS Federation or a regional counselling centre
• Do something good for yourself and look after your health

An HIV-positive diagnosis does not mean that you are already suffering from AIDS, or that you are certain to develop it. It does mean, however, that you need to take action to protect your own health and the health of your partner.

A reliable diagnosis of “HIV-positive” can only be made after an HIV confirmation test with a second blood sample. HIV is the abbreviation for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The virus takes its name from the fact that it attacks and weakens the human immune system. Without treatment, the virus will reproduce unimpeded in the body and destroy the immune system so much that it is no longer able to defend itself safely against disease-causing agents (pathogens). That ultimately leads to AIDS, and later to death. This can effectively be prevented by HIV treatment as drugs hold the virus in check. Although HIV is still not curable at the moment, thanks to effective medication:

• the immune system rapidly recovers,
• as a result, your health is protected,
• HIV does not develop into AIDS
• and you are largely able to lead a normal life.